"And now I'd like to drink to your daughter Anna." Stavros raised his glass. Nikolas continued, "Which is the reason I traveled so far." Stavros looked at him from over his dark glasses. "Sir ... Mr. Bouras ... I love your daughter Anna, and I would like to ask your permission to become engaged to her." Stavros again took his sunglasses off and studied Nikolas's face for possible traces of deceit.
"Have you asked Anna?" he said solemnly.
"I would like to have your permission first, your blessing …"
Stavros pulled on his shirtsleeves, first one, then the other. The gold cufflinks brightly reflected the candle's flickering light.
"If my daughter wants you, then you have my permission." Stavros raised his glass and met Nikolas's. "To Anna and you, Nikolas."
"Thank you, sir," replied a relieved Nikolas.
Stavros was already making plans in his mind about grandchildren, how he would play with them on his private island, and how, when he was gone, he would pass his empire on to them. Nikolas interrupted his train of thought.
"I love your daughter more than anything in the world."
Stavros placed the cigar on his lips, and then took it out,
"And do you think love is enough, Nikolas?" he asked.
"Without it, nothing is enough," replied Nikolas. "I make plenty of money … My wages are good. I have a house, and I am capable of supporting Anna and our children."
"My grandmother used to say, 'If the bride and groom want it, the father-in-law should stay blind'," said a smiling Stavros.
"In my case, I'd like everybody to go in with eyes wide open."
"I like that, Nikolas," responded Stavros approvingly.
He then summoned the waiter, who said that the bill was already paid and glanced at Nikolas. But when Stavros stood up, he looked a bit tired and temporarily lost his balance. Nikolas quickly caught him.
"Thank you, Nikolas," said Stavros appreciatively.
The two men embraced and kissed each other's cheeks. Out of respect, Nikolas bent to kiss Stavros' hand.
"Hey! I am not a priest, Nikolas," smiled Stavros.
"I know, but you are the father!"
They both laughed and Stavros hung on Nikolas's strong arm.
"Now, let's go. Anna is waiting for us at the Fairmont across the street for dinner," said a happy Stavros.
***
Anna looked like a lovely starlet on a movie set, sitting on a red velvet chair reading a magazine in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel. As she looked at both men's faces, she found her father looking happier than usual. Was he happy because he had agreed to give his daughter's hand to Nikolas? Or was it because he had refused him? "Well, I'll soon find out," she thought aloud. Her hopes rose when she saw her father leaning comfortably against Nikolas's arm.